A season that started with inexperience finished with a state championship for the Burdekin Wildcats under 12 boys squad.

Head Coach Lauren Roncato shared her pride with the team, saying the boys had come a long way throughout the season.

“The boys began the season very raw and inexperienced,” she said.

“Out of the 10 players we had, only three had had previous rep experience.”

The team competed in three North Queensland Junior Basketball Competition carnivals throughout the year, travelling to Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay to compete and finishing in an impressive third place.

The team then travelled to Brisbane to compete at the Basketball Queensland State Championships from September 23 to 26, entering the under 12 competition in division 4.

An undefeated run in the pool matches saw the Wildcats enter finals with confidence, coming up against South West Metro Pirates Red for a place in the grand final.

After defeating the Pirates 68-56, it was Burdekin versus Ipswich Force 2 in the ultimate decider, with the Wildcats winning 61-54.

“The boys showed typical Burdekin grit and determination to win this close game,” Ms Roncato said.

“As head coach, I was very proud of the boys for their commitment to training each week, as well as their support for one another throughout the entire competition.

“It really makes it all worthwhile to see where they start the season to where they finish it, and the vast improvements shown by each player.

“The gold medal was the icing on the cake!”

Ms Roncato’s post-season message to the boys is a simple one.

“Just keep working hard on the fundamentals and enjoy playing with mates,” she said.

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Back row L-R Courtney Pennisi (Assistant Coach), Lauren Roncato (Head Coach), Amy Chandler (Assistant Coach); Middle row L-R Rocco Fahey, Jayke Durrant, Xavier Minuzzo, Bailey Lovell, Kyran Boccalatte; Front row L-R Chase Pennisi, Sidney Rizzi, Cruz Roncato, Linc Chandler, Daley Flanagan

Thursday, October 12 saw 16 keen bowlers turn up to play the first game on the brand-new rink at Home Hill Community Sports Club.

It was tricky getting used to the slowness of the carpet with almost no bias.

Three rinks were used for two games of triples and one game of pairs.

Rink 4 saw Karl, Ferg, and Glen defeat Dino, John, and Dave 15-13.  

On Rink 5, Bob, Happy and Stephen defeated Paul, Joe, and Trevor 22-14.

Rink 6 was the pairs game where Jim and Alex went down to Judy and Mick 18-27.

The mystery rink winners for the day were Mick McCloskey and Judy Elton and the raffle was won by Ron Smith.  

On Thursday, October 26, Burdekin Motors will sponsor the day with $300 prize money up for grabs.

Ring the club before 1pm to register for a 1:30 start.

$12 a head and you must be a registered bowler.

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One half of the Mystery Rink winning team Judy Elton. Photo credit: Stephen Doig

The Burdekin Clay Target Club held their monthly shoot on Sunday, October 8, with 34 competitors competing. Conditions were extremely windy which made it a very challenging day. Thank you to our sponsors for the day, Home Hill Engineering, Michael and Susy Populin. Also thank you to Michael and Susy Populin for kindly donating a meat tray which was raffled off and won by John Dickerson.

Event 1-15 Pair Double Rise 15m

AA Grade 1st John Cerqui 27/30, 2nd Michael Zabala 26/30

A  Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 27/30, 2nd Alan Lord 21/30

B Grade 1st Tony Robinson 23/30, 2nd Sylvia Rossato 22/30, 3rd Greg Maltby 21/30

C Grade 1st Colin Ferguson 25/30, Aiden Sebastiani 22/30, 3rd Peter Scott 21/30

Event 2-25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m

Sponsor- Home Hill Engineering

Open 1st Wayne Cislowski 47/49

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 45/49

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 47/49

B Grade 1st Mark Simpson 42/49

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 41/49

Event 3-25 Target Single Barrel 15m

AA Grade 1st Lindsay Groat 20/25

A Grade 1st Wayne Cislowski 24/25, 2nd Joe (jnr) Sebastiani 23/25, 3rd Colin Ferguson 22/25

B Grade 1st Aiden Sebastiani 21/25, 2nd John Kinnimonth 20/25

C Grade 1st Brian Bonanno 20/25, 2nd Pedro Le Blowitz & Peter Giardino 19/25

Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Double Barrel Championship 15m

Sponsor Michael & Susy Populin

Open 1st Joe Caruso 34/35

AA Grade 1st Joe Caruso 34/35

A Grade 1st Bruce McBow 33/35

B Grade 1st Peter Scott 35/37

C Grade 1st Peter Giardino 26/30

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap

Open 1st Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani 29/31

2nd Greg Maltby 28/31

3rd Jeff Taylor 24/27

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Contributed by the Burdekin Clay Target Club

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Raffle winner John Dickerson donated by Michael Populin

Event 2-25 Target Mixed Target Championship 15m winners

Wayne Cislowski, Joe Caruso, Mark Simpson, Brian Bonanno

Event 4-30 Target Burdekin Double Barrel Championship 15m winners

Sponsor Michael Populin, Joe Caruso, Bruce McBow, Peter Scott, Peter Giardino

Event 5-25 Target Double Barrel Handicap winners

Joe (Jnr) Sebastiani, Greg Maltby, Jeff Taylor

Pickleball is game a bit like tennis but played on a small court with a lightweight paddle and light whiffle ball.

The serve is underarm, and points are won on the serve.

Games are first to eleven points and typically take between 10 and 20 minutes.

Because it is played on a small court there are lots of opportunities to socialize.

Pickleball has become very popular throughout Australia with all age groups, but especially the over 55s.  

The reason for this is simple: it is easy to learn to play, is low impact and is easy on the body.  

It focuses on reflexes rather than power and running speed.

Pickleball is played at Home Hill Tennis every Tuesday 7 – 8:15 pm.

The first week you try is free and after this the weekly cost is $10 which includes court fees, membership, equipment use and a tea or coffee and a sweet.

“New players are always welcome, and we will teach you the rules and how to score,” said club representative Kate Casswell.

If you require more information, contact Kate on 044738441 or just come along and give it a go.

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L-R Heather Des Bois, Hannah Casswell, Kris Nolan, and Kate Casswell enjoying a hit of pickleball. Photo supplied

BMX enthusiasts from near and far converged at the Proserpine BMX Rumble for Ronald McDonald over the weekend, with our own Burdekin club sending a strong contingent of riders. As the final carnival of the year, the racing raises much-needed funds for Ronald McDonald House.

BURDEKIN BMX RESULTS

Mini Wheeler Competitor:

Hayne Messer

U5 Sprocket Boys:

Malakye Bull

9 Boys:

Raidan Messer (3rd place)

Harrison Sartori (4th place)

11 Boys:

Rhiley Brennan (4th place)

Adrian Abreau (8th place)

11 Girls:

Holly McIntosh (2nd place)

12 Boys:

Jake Sartori (5th place)

13 Boys:

Deon McIntosh (1st place)

Keatan Jarvis (4th place)

Superclass Men:

Kyle Hanlon (5th place)

40-44 Men:

Bradley McIntosh (3rd place)

45-49 Men:

David Sartori (1st place)

Mini wheeler competitor:

• Hayne Messer

U5 sprocket boys:

• Malakye Bull

9 boys:

• Raidan Messer (3rd place)

• Harrison Sartori (4th place)

11 boys:

• Rhiley Brennan (4th place)

• Adrian Abreau (8th place)

11 Girls:

• Holly McIntosh (2nd place)

12 boys:

• Jake Sartori (5th place)

13 boys:

• Deon McIntosh (1st place)

• Keatan Jarvis (4th place)

17-24 men:

• Kyle Hanlon (2nd place)

Superclass men:

• Kyle Hanlon (5th place)

40-44 men:

• Bradley McIntosh (3rd place)

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The Junior Cricket season kicked off on Friday, October 6 at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Cricket Complex in Home Hill with a good turn out of eager children itching to emulate their heroes with the bat and ball. There were some great skills on show for so early in the season thanks to the amount of cricket some of them have played recently at the Country Cup in Charters Towers. Some standouts with the bat were Michael Finn 14 runs, Oscar Mahoney 13 runs and Marshall Parker with 12 runs, all not out.

Marshall and Oscar took a wicket each when bowling as did Henri Klopper, but Nate Elphinstone stole the show with amazing figures of 3 wickets for only 2 runs off 2 overs. All the players had big smiles on their faces even if they didn’t score runs or take any wickets so it is certain that everyone had a good time.

Tuesday, October 10 was the start of the Rookies Blaster program (5-7yo) at East Ayr State School and last Friday saw the Challenger Blasters (7-10yo) start at the club in Home Hill.  

A combined Home Hill/Charters Towers Under 17 team played Brothers last Saturday in Charters Towers and was unfortunately beaten soundly by the Townsville team. Thomas Cardillo was Home Hill’s top scorer with 27 runs, Corey Heidke took 2 wickets and Leo Olditch snared 1.

Contributed by Scott Heidke

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Challenger Blasters Award Winners Anna Muilwyk and Paige Elphinstone

Mark Wilkie and Michael Finn

Senior cricket returned to Barry Richards Field over the weekend, with most players backing up from a thrilling Town of Origin showdown between Ayr and Home Hill the weekend before.

Round one of the Home Hill Cricket Association Saturday Senior competition pitted Peto’s Marine against Guardian Pharmacy, with Peto’s Marine winning the toss and electing to bat.

Opener Simon Vickers got the innings underway with a solid 34 runs off 35 balls, building a dangerous looking partnership with number three batsman Daniel Olditch who finished with 23 runs from 20 balls.

The middle order got Peto’s Marine to a defendable 175 total from their 25 overs, thanks to 39 runs off 27 balls from Greg Flanagan and 24 runs off 30 balls from Leon Franklin.

Wickets to Jd Wilkins (2), Andrew Wallwork, Kenneth Southwell, Jamie Grabs, Isaac Cardillo and Lee Watts saw Peto’s Marine finish at 7/175.

Lee Watts and Isaac Cardillo got the chase underway for Guardian Pharmacy, with an unfortunate run out at the non-striker’s end bringing Lee’s innings to an end on 13 from 21 balls.

Andrew Wallwork came in at number three, stabling the ship with an unbeaten 51 off 40, with Jd Wilkins scoring 26 from 31 at number four.

With Andrew retiring not out, big hitters Kenneth Southwell and Andrew Cardillo combined with a respective 32 not out from 26 and 15 from 12 to finish off Guardian Pharmacy’s run chase with a couple of overs to spare.

Wickets to Aaron Elphinstone (2) and Christopher Penna saw Guardian Pharmacy chase down the total after losing three wickets.

Peto’s Marine will back it up again this week, taking on Crowned Mongrels on Saturday afternoon, while a combined U17 Home Hill and Charters Towers team will take on Townsville Wests earlier that afternoon.

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Guardian Pharmacy defeated Peto’s Marine in round one of the Home Hill Cricket Association senior competition. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

Burdekin Junior Golf held its October monthly medal recently, with junior competitors testing their swings over 3, 6 and 9 holes.

Winners were Ivy Land for 3 Holes, Ethan Pengally for 6 Holes, and Will Geitz for 9 Holes. Gross winners were Opie McKeough and Hudson for 3 Holes, Parker Oar for 6 Holes, and Amaya Mahoney for 9 Holes.

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A meeting at Burdekin Race Club last Thursday was the first of three additional TAB meetings to be held at the Home Hill track as Townsville Turf Club is in the process of upgrading its training track.

“We’ve been helping the Townsville Turf Club out by having track gallops and jump outs to take pressure off their main course,” said Burdekin Race Club President Ricky Gudge.

With Townsville’s training track out of action, trainers have been utilising the main course two or three times a week.

With the influx of use on Townsville’s main track, TAB dispersed four meetings scheduled between last Thursday and the end of the year, with three going to Burdekin Race Club and one to be hosted in Bowen.

“If we don’t take these meetings on, the horses don’t race, you’ve got jockeys, owners and trainers out of pocket, it’s a lot of money involved,” Mr Gudge said.

“By us taking the meetings on, it’s still generating money and it’s still available for punters to bet on.”

Burdekin Race Club has undergone its own improvements to get the track to a “TAB standard” but are discussing upgrades to facilities, including jockey and steward rooms, with Racing Queensland.

“Being in the Burdekin, with our supply of water, it’s not a problem to go out and water our track and keep it in top condition,” Mr Gudge said.

“We’ve upgraded both our running rails to the state-of-the-art PVC running rail so it’s safe for horses and jockeys, and our club has always done the right thing by our owners and trainers.

“We’re hoping that we will be considered as a back up to Townsville moving forward so if something does happen to go wrong with their track, they can always utilise Home Hill.”

The second biggest day on the club’s calendar, Scotty’s Memorial Derby Day, is coming up on Saturday, November 4, incorporating Ladies Day and Justin Scott, Russell Reguson and Bill (Cody) Prizeman Memorial Races.

Meetings are also scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, Saturday, December 9, and Thursday December 28, 2023.

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Locally trained horse Old School finished in first place in race three at Burdekin Race Club last week. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

John Power and Jim Olsen

Charlie Barbagallo and Len Hodder

Narelle Cheshire and Dana Cheshire

Leanne Gudge and Jan Davies

Photo credit: Sam Gillespie

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The 2023 rugby union season has drawn to a close, and what a thrilling journey it has been. With its share of highs and lows, the Canetoads rugby team culminated their year with a triumphant win in front of an exuberant sea of dedicated fans. This final victory served as the crowning jewel of a season that showcased incredible dedication from the players, volunteers, and committee members both on and off the field.

As we gather to recognise the outstanding achievements of the 2023 season, we must acknowledge those individuals whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts set them apart. The 2023 trophy winners across various categories include:

U10s

- Most Improved: Jackson Moschella

- Most Consistent: Harris Flanagan

- Best Forward: Alex Baptista

- Best Back: Ty Pyott

- Players Player: Mark Wilkie

- Player of the Year: Chase Pyott

2nd Grade

- Most Improved:  James O’Reilly

- Most Consistent:  CJ Nolan

- Best Forward Robbie Cantarella

- Best Back: Iseareli Nasawalu (Accepted by Watson Mcgoon)

- Players Player (Tied): Robbie and Iseareli (Accepted by Echika Nakurilagi)

- Player of the Year: Joeli Lutumailagi

Ladies

- Most Improved: Lauren Kmet

- Most Consistent: Nykee Kynuna

- Best Forward: Kahlee Lennox (Accepted by Briellen Carter-Mathews)

- Best Back: Zoe Branch

- Players Player: Caitlin Holmes

- Player of the Year: Caitlin Holmes

1st Grade:

Most Improved: Luke Torkington

Most Consistent: Brock Vasta

Best Forward: Mick Hall

Best Back: Kelsey Hesp

Players Player: Michael Hall

Player of the Year: Braedy Vasta

In addition, we proudly recognise our representative players for the 2023 season:

Ladies: Caitlin Holmes (Townsville, NQ, Queensland Country)

U19 Men: CJ Nolan (U19 Townsville), Nathan Steele (U19 Townsville, U19 NQ)

Men: Tubby Heron (Townsville), Michael Hall (Townsville), Lachlan Winston (Townsville), Morgan Baker (Townsville, NQ), Kelsey Hesp (Townsville, NQ), Braedy Vasta (Townsville, NQ), Israeli Nasawalu (NQ)

Our Club Awards for exceptional contributions and dedication include:

- Dedication to Players (Jnr): Clayton Hearn

- Dedication to Players (Snr): Jordan Holmes

- Volunteer Contributing Most: Whitnee Sullivan

- Player Contributing Most: Caitlin Holmes

- Spirit of Rugby: Nykee Kynuna & Joel Horan

- Clubman of The Year: Jeff Sullivan

We would like to thank all those who made this presentation night memorable, from setting up to cleaning up, and to our generous sponsors of the perpetual trophies. Special thanks are also due to Fusion Catering by Kristine for the delectable dinner and Dominique's Events for creating a beautiful evening ambience. Our sponsors play an important role in the ongoing development and success of the Burdekin Rugby Union Club. We want to especially thank and highlight the club’s major sponsors including Nutrien Ag Solutions, Queens Hotel, Michaels Mens Wear, Laser Electrical, Burdekin Tyre Service, Hesp Farming, Calligaro Construction, Delta Cleaners and First in Physio for their valued support throughout the 2023 rugby season. Your support, together with all our other sponsors, has been integral to the success of the club in 2023.

Contributed by Burdekin Rugby Union Canetoads.

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Second Grade award recipients

A Grade award recipients

Clayton Hearn Dedication to Juniors award

Club award recipients

Ladies award recipients

Under 10 award recipients

Under 10 team

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In 1929, the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association, originally known as the Delta Hockey Club, had its modest beginnings. Thanks to the generosity of local businessman Stan Hall, the club was equipped with the necessary gear to kickstart its journey.

Initially, the club exclusively catered to male players, but as time went on, it expanded its horizons. Today, it boasts a diverse membership that includes not only men but also ladies and junior players.

In 2023, the club's primary focus centres on an indoor hockey competition running from April to September. This successful endeavour is made possible through the valued support of Ayr State High School.

The Lower Burdekin Hockey Association recently held its annual Presentation Night to celebrate this year’s outstanding performers.  A big congratulations to Quicksticks, who have improved their Wooden Spoon performance of 2022 to take out the Indoor Hockey Championship this year.

Each year the club awards both a Senior and Junior clubperson of the year.  This year’s Senior Club Person is Dirk Dabelstein.   Dirk started playing hockey as a junior, but at that time no high school competition existed so he had many years away from the sport.  Dirk became actively involved again in the early 2000s, playing himself but also introducing both his children to the sport.  He is critical to the ongoing success of our junior fixtures, running weekly coaching and game sessions with our junior players, having undertaken community coaching courses to support his role.  He has this year again proven to be a dedicated, passionate and involved member of the organisation.

Emily Johnston has been awarded the Junior Club Person for 2023.  Emily has only recently started her hockey journey, being selected in last year’s NQ Primary Schoolgirls team as the goalkeeper.  Emily is the first to offer assistance, with no job too difficult.  She is also developing her umpiring skills, having umpired both junior and senior games on occasion this year. She is enthusiastic, dependable and has a hunger to improve her skills in all facets of the game.

Other recipients were as follows:

Indoor Hockey Minor Premiers and Champions – Quicksticks

Indoor Hockey B Division Winners – Stick Handlers

Indoor Hockey Wooden Spoon – White Knights

Best and Fairest – Kasey Parison and Karl Dabelstein

Best Juniors – Ella Dabelstein and Cruz Torkington

Best Rookies – Jorja Grabs and Jarren Wood

Best Attacker – Kasey Parison

Best Defender – Bradley Sibson

Goal Shark – Lynette Gardner

The junior presentations were held last month to acknowledge the following players:

Most Improved U10 – Mack Grabs

Most Consistent U10 – Jacques Gardner

Most Improved U13 – Henry Smith

Most Consistent U13 – Charlie McCarthy

Junior Player’s Player – Ben Smail

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Contributed by the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association

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Indoor Hockey champions Quicksticks

Best juniors Ella Dabelstein and Cruz Torkington

Best and Fairest – Kasey Parison and Karl Dabelstein

Junior Club Person Emily Johnston

Best Rookie Jorja Grabs

Senior Club Person Dirk Dabelstein

Indoor Hockey Wooden Spoon – White Knights

Over the weekend, the Ayr Surf Lifesaving Club headed to the annual Forrest Beach Surf Carnival for two days of action-packed competition.

Their small contingent of 31 competitors battled it out in some very tough conditions with strong winds and waves with some amazing individual and team performances.  
The members competed in beach events including flags, sprints and relays, and water events including surf race, board, ironman, tube race, wades, board rescues and multiple relays.  

Taylor Chapman in Under 10s was the star of the show, bringing home gold in every individual event over the weekend and several relays, as well as competing up an age group for some team events.  

President and coach Ben Lawry said that some of his other stand out performances over the weekend were the Under 10 girls bringing home a trifecta in their individual board race, with Taylor Chapman 1st, Charlotte Dale 2nd and Alexandra Moloney 3rd, and the Under 12 Surf Team of Milla Chapman, Cole Pontifex, Charlotte Lawry and Emma Jones putting in some great swims to bring home a win against some very strong competition by the Arcadian Club.

The Under 10s put in some dominating team performances winning their board relay (Luca Lawry, Charlotte Dale & Taylor Chapman) and wade relay (Lewis Bonato, Taylor Chapman, Luca Lawry, and Charlotte Dale).  

The North Australian Championships is next on the carnival program for the U11s to Masters in a few weeks’ time, where competitors from all across northern Australia come together over 3 massive days for some tough competition.

Contributed by Kellie Lawry

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Under 9 Board Relay Team Hoyt Pontifex, Ryan Irvine, and Lola Gibson

Under 10 Female Board Race trifecta Alexandra Moloney 3rd, Charlotte Dale 2nd and Taylor Chapman 1st. Photos supplied

Marisa and Sharon from Selections have once again shown their dedication to the Ayr Ladies Golf Competitions, earning the gratitude of all participants.

The course has witnessed some impressive performances lately, with the dry conditions providing extra run for the players. However, this week brought its own challenges as the greens received a sanding treatment, making putting a bit trickier.

Despite the obstacles, a new sensation in the B Grade category has emerged. Ingrid Vaes blazed her way to victory, delivering a stellar round with an impressive 41 points. Janet Trezise showcased her consistency by securing the runner-up spot with a commendable 36 points.

The accolades didn't stop there, with Angie Baxter, Betty Durrant, Pat Lawson, and Rhonda O’Brien earning well-deserved rundowns. Adding a touch of excitement, Bev Power clinched the title of lucky wheel winner.

Looking ahead, the anticipation is building for an exciting partner event scheduled for the upcoming Wednesday, generously sponsored by Dawn Cox. Golf enthusiasts are encouraged to team up with their partners and seize the opportunity for another great day on the greens.

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On Wednesday 5th October, the competition at the Home Hill Golf Course was a stableford sponsored by Burdekin Tyre Service who we thank once again for your support. The winner with 37 points was Heather Todman and runner up Ann Naughton with 36 on a count back from Jan Cannavan.

Nearest the pins went to Judi Sheahan on 4/13 and Heather Todman on 9/18. The chip shot went to Shirley Jones.

Friday Club numbers were down with only 21 players. Pin shots went to Megan Barbagallo, Peter Dale, and Eric Barbagallo. Gary Pappalardo had the least putts. The daily winner was Bones Berryman and the lucky ticket went to Eric Barbagallo but unfortunately the lucky ball wasn't drawn out so the money has jackpotted to $200 this week.

On Sunday, golfers battled it out against strong winds to compete for the Jaycar Mixed Foursomes Championships. Thanks went to Jaycar for once again sponsoring the event. The champions for the day were Eric and Megan Barbagallo. Nett winners were Val Smith and Trevor Weise. Nearest the pins went to Stephen Doig and Jeanette Camer on 4/13 and Eric and Megan Barbagallo on 9/18. This Sunday is pennants.

Contributed by Home Hill Golf Club

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Established in 1930, Ayr Tennis Association is back in the spotlight – with a fresh committee and brand-new lighting set up to allow for evening games.

Ayr Tennis Club offers Ladies Social Wednesdays, ‘Extremely Social’ Thursday nights, Junior Tournaments and Cardio Tennis.

In March this year, a new committee took over, reviving both the club and the social atmosphere.

Previously, the club was on the verge of closure and just five out of the fifteen lights worked across the eight courts.

This Thursday, however, was the club’s last game in the dark. With new lighting fixtures being installed, giving 24-hour access for day and night tennis matches.

At the moment, five out of ten courts are set up and it won’t be long until eight out of ten courts will be running with full lighting for evening matches.

Ayr Tennis Club has around seventy-five new members since their committee relaunch, with the junior side making up around fifty.

Local personality, Rob Slatcher, is the Club President and he said he is excited to see so many more juniors joining the ranks.

“The juniors are humming, really going good. It’s worth putting the A-grade players out,” he said.

“That’s the secret to any club, if you haven’t got juniors, you don’t have seniors.”

He went on to state, “Ayr has always been known as a ‘friendly venue’, we’re getting a lot of players coming back from retirement and having a great time.”

Bendigo Bank offered a $10,000 community grant, which was put towards the new lighting to update the club to its former glory.

Rob thanks the committee, helpers and the wider community for their involvement in getting Ayr Tennis Association back on the map, a dream that at one stage felt impossible.

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